On The Front Lines

Everyday The Rutherford Institute is waging a battle to protect the human rights and civil liberties of all people. Whether challenging undue government suppression of civil liberties in the courts or calling upon political leaders to strengthen their commitment to universal moral values, The Rutherford Institute works tirelessly to maintain the rights enshrined in the Constitution, and regain those that have been lost to government intrusion.

On the Front Lines (Rutherford Press Alerts) will keep you abreast of the most recent actions The Rutherford Institute has undertaken in its fight for human rights and civil liberties. From pending litigation to victories for human rights and civil liberties, On the Front Lines is the place to find information on the most pressing issues of the day. The Rutherford Institute is waging for our rights in the courts and beyond. On The Front Lines will keep you up-to-date on the crucial battles

Recent Articles

May 14, 2026

The Jury Box Is Shrinking: Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Sixth Amendment Challenge to Stop Erosion of the Right to Trial by Jury

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear a challenge to Florida’s use of six-person criminal juries—a dangerous erosion of the Sixth Amendment right to trial by jury. Civil liberties advocates argue that the Constitution’s original understanding of a jury requires twelve members—not six—and that shrinking juries weakens one of the last safeguards standing between individuals and unchecked government power.

April 29, 2026

Can Police Search Every Phone in a Crowd? Rutherford Urges Supreme Court to Block Police Uses of Dragnet Cell Phone Surveillance

In an amicus brief filed with the Court in Chatrie v. United States, The Rutherford Institute warns that geofence warrants represent a modern version of the general warrants that sparked the American Revolution. Rather than requiring law enforcement to identify a suspect and establish probable cause before conducting a search, these warrants reverse the constitutional order—authorizing the government to search first and decide later who might be suspicious.